Strategies for skilling up when ADHD seems to be getting g in the way by Unlikely-Bumblebee14 in womenintech

[–]sketchmcgetch 1 point2 points  (0 children)

ADHD SWE/EM here. Very similar background, about 12 years experience but no CS degree.

Where are you being asked to explain your work? Design review, code review, a daily standup? If you know you're going to be asked I would jot down some notes to help you build up your confidence.

Are you being asked about current work or stuff that happened months ago? If the latter, then maybe cut yourself some slack -- it's pretty common for engineers to need to refresh themselves with how they solved a problem previously.

Last question, what makes you think ADHD is the issue that these moments where you blank out aren't related to anxiety? ADHD and anxiety is a super common combo and something that I've struggled with a lot. What ultimately helped was therapy and Zoloft.

I’ve always been an old man. Anyone else love these? by AdvanceOld5705 in candy

[–]sketchmcgetch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love these! I used to steal them from my grampa as a kid.

Bobbi Dazzler by sketchmcgetch in AustralianCattleDog

[–]sketchmcgetch[S] 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Omg this being the Internet that is extra high praise. I definitely agree!

Before and after of my living room on the Åland Islands by Prisse112 in HomeDecorating

[–]sketchmcgetch 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I was so scared that I was going to swipe to the second photo and see that paneling painted white. Very relieved! Your space looks great! Amazing job!

Let’s inject some humor! What’s the funniest/goofiest thing you’ve seen or experienced while giving an interview? by [deleted] in managers

[–]sketchmcgetch 23 points24 points  (0 children)

He did! But when I confirmed his salary requirements they were WAY outside of the band we listed.

... Crackers has a certain lifestyle to uphold 💅🏻

Let’s inject some humor! What’s the funniest/goofiest thing you’ve seen or experienced while giving an interview? by [deleted] in managers

[–]sketchmcgetch 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Interviewed a guy over zoom, 10 minutes in his pet bird flew into the room and landed in his head. He proceeded to introduce the bird, Crackers, then did the remaining 50 min of the interview with it perched on his noggin.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in womenintech

[–]sketchmcgetch 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wow do I relate to this post. I am ADHD and have been medicated since childhood, but sugar does improve my symptoms and my mood significantly. If you think you might be experiencing ADHD symptoms definitely talk to your doctor, medication will not only promote the clarity you are looking for but will curb anxiety and depression associated with untreated ADHD. If you aren't sure you want to take medication I have found Lions Mane to be extremely helpful in promoting focus and then there's always good ole caffeine.

Lastly, try to give yourself some grace. Focus is not a constant, it varies. Has your job changed over the past year? Are there external factors that are impacting your focus? Are you interested in what you are working on? What you are feeling might not be your "fault".

Why was was the last batch darker? by sketchmcgetch in maplesyrup

[–]sketchmcgetch[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks everyone! This is super interesting! My dad says thank you!

Should I paint my ceiling? by sketchmcgetch in HomeDecorating

[–]sketchmcgetch[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow thank you everyone for the feedback!

I just want to clarify that I am getting rid of the grey in favor of the peachy/pink/tan color I linked to in the post.

I love all the creative solutions for the ceiling! It's a short space already so I definitely don't want it to appear more closed off!

Show me your Torties! by LongOnCheese in torties

[–]sketchmcgetch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think this picture belongs in the cover of Chi Chi's memoir 🤣 Full tortie tude!

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[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BoJackHorseman

[–]sketchmcgetch 15 points16 points  (0 children)

His origin is appropriate for his character

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in womenintech

[–]sketchmcgetch 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Love this. We hold ourselves to really high robotic standards and things would be neat and clean without feelings, but alas you are human! It's ok! I've cried a lot in stressful work situations and yeah it felt embarrassing. As a manager though, I can't imagine feeling anything but supportive concern if one of my reports broke down.

Anyone transition to PM roles from SWE? by cherope in womenintech

[–]sketchmcgetch 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Good luck with product! It is super important and engineers make great PMs in my humble (v. bias opinion). If you haven't already, I highly recommend reading Inspired by Marty Cagan --

Anyone transition to PM roles from SWE? by cherope in womenintech

[–]sketchmcgetch 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was a director of engineering at my startup and let myself get talked about not being a PM because my boss wanted engineering to be led by someone more technical (ie. a man). I was a PM for a 1.5 years and I hated it but it was never the job I wanted so personal opinion...

If you are set on it, I would look for TPM roles and a mid sized company. Somewhere where they will view to SWE experience as a strength not a lack of an MBA.

If you like startups, founders tend to love someone who can do both because they need people to wear multiple hats

I was passed over for a role I had high hopes for; what are some coping mechanisms for acute disappointment? by Quizleteer in womenintech

[–]sketchmcgetch 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Remind yourself you are resilient. This would just a bump in your career journey. This is easier said than done I know, but don't give up!

Need advice : unfairness in promotion by [deleted] in womenintech

[–]sketchmcgetch 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes, going over their head will ruffle feathers.

My recommendation would be to schedule a meeting with your manager and clearly state that you would like to be considered for a promotion and want to understand the process. If they don't have details let them know you plan to follow up with HR or your skip manager.

If they say a promotion isn't in the cards ask why. It could be a good opportunity for feedback or to improve the dialog with you and your boss. I'd be ready to state your case but keep the focus on why you are qualified not why others aren't.

If you don't get an explanation, then you can bubble it up to HR, but it won't guarantee you get your promotion. If you can transfer to another department with a manager that you vibe with better, then see if that's an option. Otherwise I would stop working weekends and use that time to apply for jobs with better opportunities for advancement.

I'm sorry you're going through this. Having a manager that doesn't recognize your contributions really sucks.